A pacemaker is a small device that is placed under the skin beneath the collarbone. Through wires (leads), the pacemaker monitors how fast the heart is beating. If the heart beats below the rate that it should be beating, the pacemaker can take over the role of stimulating the heartbeats for as long as is needed. During the procedure, you will receive medications to keep you comfortable and relaxed. Thin tubes (leads) are inserted through a large vein near your collarbone, and passed into the heart. The leads are connected to a pulse generator (pacemaker) which is implanted in a pouch under the skin below the collarbone. The pulse generator is about the size of a tea bag. It monitors the heart rate and takes over the role of stimulating the heartbeats when necessary.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Locations
Cottonwoods Care Centre coordinator Lia Sambrielaz has been sharing small acts of kindness at IH for 37 years.
/stories/we-are-ih-coordinator-motivated-help-long-term-care-clients
Our 9-part video series teaches about the purpose and importance of advance care planning (ACP) and why it gives peace of mind to you and your loved ones.
/stories/lets-talk-about-advance-care-planning-your-voice-your-choice
A funding initiative is helping the Cariboo Chilcotin Métis Association (CCMA) grow food security in ways that reflect knowledge, culture and community needs.
/stories/funding-helps-williams-lake-metis-community-support-food-security
Meghan Johnston became a registered psychiatric nurse after watching people struggle to navigate the health-care system and witnessing the barriers they faced.
/stories/we-are-ih-psychiatric-nurse-finds-meaning-crisis-team-role
Jasmine Mingaud found relief and stability after connecting with the Central Okanagan PCN where a team helped her manage chronic pain and life challenges.
/stories/how-primary-care-team-changed-one-womans-chronic-pain-journey
Behind every appointment, lab test and medical imaging test are a complex set of processes. A small but mighty team is transforming how that work gets done.
/stories/saving-time-improving-patient-care-intelligent-automation
STAY CONNECTED
Receive news, alerts, public service announcements and articles right to your inbox.
